P-trap device and method

ABSTRACT

A p-trap device including primary trap, a door assembly, and a cleanout tool; the primary trap includes an inlet, an outlet, an upper dip, and a lower dip. The door assembly includes a door and a secondary trap, with the door assembly coupled to the lower dip of the primary trap and configured to provide access for maintenance to the p-trap device and provide a means for draining the primary trap of the p-trap device when the door is open. The door is coupled to the secondary trap using a hinge. The cleanout tool is included and configured to remove debris from the p-trap device when the door is open, with the cleanout tool attachable to the p-trap device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/786,568, filed on Oct. 17, 2017, pending, which claims priority to end is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/408,956 filed, Oct. 17, 2016, both of which are incorporated into this document.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. Including this is not an admission that any of the information or references are prior art or material

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the field of fluid handling of existing art and, more specifically, relates to efficient fluid handling means.

RELATED ART

In plumbing applications, a trap is a device that includes a bending path to retain water to prevent sewer gases from entering buildings, while allowing waste to pass through. In domestic applications, the traps are generally referred to as “p-traps”, although other shapes and nomenclature can be used. Most plumbing fixtures (e.g., sinks, bathtubs, toilets, etc.) must be equipped with either an internal or external trap by local codes. Due it is a localized low-point in the plumbing, p-traps tend to collect hair, debris, and grow mold or algae, which may limit the flow area of the pipe. In cases where objects are inadvertently dropped down the sink, the p-trap may (very seldom) capture the item. Most often, the object is flushed into the general water system. To retrieve inadvertently dropped objects from the drain or remove unwanted debris and blockage, the p-trap must be removed from the plumbing system, usually by a plumber. Using a plumber adds, time, energy, and costs. Therefore, a suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,915,814 to Dara Cheng relates to a transparent pipe trap with a means of enhancing biodegration of sink effluents. The described transparent pipe trap with means of enhancing biodegration of sink effluents includes a transparent pipe trap with means of enhancing the biodegradation of sink effluents in a household sink which uses a screen located “downstream” from the trap to deflect valuable items into the trap. The trap is easily drained and easily removed, for convenient retrieval of valuable items, such as rings, which are lost down a sink or other drain. The invention also promotes the biodegradation of sink effluents through time-release biodegradation substances in the cup and coated upon the screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Given these disadvantages inherent in the known fluid-handling-with-access-opening art, this disclosure provides a novel p-trap device and method.

A novel p-trap device is disclosed. The p-trap device includes a primary trap, a secondary trap, a door assembly, and a cleanout tool. The primary trap has an inlet, an outlet, an upper dip, and a lower dip. The door assembly includes a door and a connector, with the door assembly coupled to the secondary trap and configured to provide access for maintenance to the p-trap device and provide a means for draining the primary trap of the p-trap when the door is open. In some versions the connector is a hinge.

The cleanout tool is configured to remove debris from the p-trap device when the door is open, with the cleanout tool attachable to the p-trap device. Also, when the door is open, the door will be arranged in a plane that is substantially parallel to the upright portion of the p-trap, in some versions. A threaded fastener secures the door open. Also, the door assembly may include a gasket to provide a water-tight seal between the door and the lower perimeter of the secondary trap. The gasket may be removable and replaceable.

Preferably, the p-trap device is constructed from a durable plastic material such that the device is corrosion resistant, and the primary trap is tubular in shape. Also, the upper dip sits above the lower dip on a circumference of the primary trap.

The primary trap is configured to hold and maintain a volume of water blocking the passage of drainage or sewer gases. The inlet of the p-trap device is removably coupled to a plumbing fixture, and the outlet is removably coupled to a plumbing drain line.

According to another embodiment, a method of use for a p-trap device is also disclosed herein. The method of use for a p-trap device includes a first step, providing a p-trap device (the p-trap device including a primary trap, a secondary trap, and a door assembly, the door assembly including a door and a connector); a second step, affixing the p-trap device to a plumbing system; a third step, opening the door of the p-trap device; a fourth step, removing one or more objects from the p-trap device; and a fifth step, closing the door of the p-trap device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures that accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate various versions of the device and methods of the device's use: a p-trap device constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the p-trap device during an ‘in-use’ condition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the p-trap device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the p-trap device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the p-trap device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the p-trap device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a fluid-handling-with-access-opening device and, more particularly, to a p-trap device and method as used to improve the efficiency of a user to clean a p-trap and remove items that have been inadvertently dropped down a drain system.

Generally, these inventive p-trap devices replace traditional drainpipes giving the user the ability to recover items and unclog pipes without having to employ a plumber or remove piping. The device allows better access to retrieve items from and to unclog blockages in the pipe without having to remove it. Thus, better access saves time and expenses. This p-trap device extends the bottom area of the trap such that the trap is larger, which facilitates catching objects. The trap is also deeper. So, it may catch anything inadvertently dropped in the drain.

FIGS. 1-4 depict various views of p-trap device 100.

FIG. 1 shows p-trap device 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition. Here, p-trap device 100 may allow the user to remove items from a drain line 20 without first removing the drainpipe itself. As illustrated, the p-trap device 100 may include primary trap 109, secondary trap 124, and door assembly 120.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, primary trap 109 may include inlet 112, outlet 114, upper dip 116, and lower dip 118. In some versions, primary trap 109 may be tubular. Upper dip 116 may sit above lower dip 118 on a circumference of primary trap 109 (some specific applications may require alternate arrangements). Door assembly 120 may include door 122 and secondary trap 124. Door assembly 120 connects to lower dip 118 of primary trap 109. It provides access for maintenance to p-trap device 100 and drains primary trap 109 when door 122 is opened.

As with all p-traps, primary trap 109 holds and maintains an amount of water to prevent gases from freely passing through primary trap 109, in use. Also, inlet 112 removably connects to plumbing fixture 10 (e.g., sink, bathtub, shower, etc.), and outlet 114 removably connects to drain line 20.

In some versions, door 122 may connect to secondary trap 124 with a hinge. Also, door assembly 120 may include threaded fastener 142 to hold door 122 closed. Other versions may include clips, clasps, and the like instead. Further, door assembly 120 may include gasket 150. Gasket 150 creates a water-tight seal between door 122 and secondary trap 124 and may be constructed from an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial material. Gasket 150 may be removable and replaceable, as well.

P-trap device 100 may also include cleanout tool 130. Cleanout tool 130 is configured to remove debris from p-trap device 100 when door 122 is open. Additionally, embodiments may include cleanout tool 130 attachable to p-trap device 100 for storage of cleanout tool 130.

Door 122 of p-trap device 100 may be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, door 122 (and other components) may be magnetic in some embodiments. P-trap device 100 may be formed from a metallic material for durability and longevity during use or may be constructed from a durable plastic material for corrosion resistance. Other materials may be used (e.g., ceramics, composites, glass, etc.). Primary trap 109 may be constructed from transparent or translucent material to reveal the contents within primary trap 109. Similarly, door assembly 120 may be formed from transparent or translucent material to reveal the contents within door assembly 120.

The arrangement of door 122 and primary trap 109 may vary. For example, when open, door 122 lie in a plane that is substantially parallel to primary trap 109. Also, when open, door 122 may lie in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to primary trap 109.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use 500 for p-trap device 100. In particular, method 500 may use a p-trap device 100 that includes one or more components or features described above. As illustrated, method 500 for a p-trap device 100 may include step one 501, providing p-trap device 100 (p-trap device may include primary trap 109 and door assembly 120; door assembly may include secondary trap 124 and door 122); step two 502, affixing p-trap device 100 to a plumbing system; step three 503, opening door 122 of p-trap device 100; step four 504, removing one or more objects from p-trap device 100; and step five 505, closing door 122 of p-trap device 100.

It should be noted that step five 505 is optional and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500.

In some versions, p-trap device 100 comprises primary trap 109. Primary trap 109 is a conduit with a centerline (denoted as centerline A). Conduit 1222 has three main parts: upright inlet 112 having upright portion 110; curved portion 1112; and upright outlet 114 having an upright connector 1114. P-trap 100 also comprises secondary trap 124. Secondary trap 124 has a polyhedral shape and sits in-line with primary trap 109. P-trap 100 can be thought of as resulting from fusing secondary trap 124 to primary trap 109, forming a fusion region 1115 or transition region between secondary trap 124 and primary trap 109. (This is not to imply that p-trap 100 is constructed in this way). In some versions, fusion region 1115 extends above what would have been the bottom of primary trap 109 absent the presence of secondary trap 124.

Curved portion 1112 is part of conduit 1222 and has a central or longitudinal axis denoted as A in the Figures. Sometimes the longitudinal axis of curved portion 1112 is called a curved-portion longitudinal axis.

Door assembly 120 sits at the bottom of secondary trap 124. Door assembly 120 comprises hinge 141, connector 140 (comprising fastener 142), and polygonal door 122. In some versions, one or more sides of the secondary trap are substantially upright or parallel to the centerline of conduit 1222. For purposes of this disclosure, a “centerline” is the imaginary axis that runs longitudinally along the conduit always through the midpoint of the conduit's diameter. As applied here, conduit 1222 curves, forcing the centerline to curve. In some versions, door 122 lies in a plane perpendicular to upright portion 110.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of p-trap 100 from below. Primary trap 109 comprises upright inlet 112. And upright inlet 112 has upright portion 110. P-trap 100 also has curved portion 1112 that connects to an end of upright inlet 112. P-trap 100 also comprises outlet 114 attached to upright connector 1114. As shown, curved portion 1112 connects an end of upright inlet 112 or upright portion 110 to upright connector 1114. Therefore, upright portion 110, curved portion 1112, and upright connector 1114 form conduit 1222 from upright inlet 112 to outlet 114. Primary trap 109 resembles an ordinary p-trap step that it contains secondary trap 124. The outer surface of secondary trap 124 is substantially a rectangular solid, and some versions. It fuses into curved portion 1112 to form a water-tight device. FIG. 2 shows door assembly 120, which comprises polygonal door 122. Door 122 is connected to secondary trap 124 and secured closed by fastener 142. In some versions, door 122 is connected to secondary trap 124 using hinge 141. Secondary trap 124 is elongate in this version, and the elongate axis of secondary trap 124 runs parallel to, or coplanar with, the centerline running through primary trap 109. Versions in which hinge 141 sits perpendicular to the centerline allow the door to open in line with the centerline.

FIG. 3 shows a version of p-trap 100 that also includes a cleanout. This figure shows how cleanout tool 130 interacts with secondary trap 124 or door assembly 120.

FIG. 4 shows p-trap 100 open. When open, door 122 reveals the interior of secondary trap 124 and primary trap 109. It reveals that the lower ends of the secondary trap walls end in an opening that has a perimeter (lower perimeter) made up of sides 123. The figure also shows gasket 150. Gasket 150 presses against the bottom edge of secondary trap 124. That is, gasket 150 seats against perimeter 125 when p-trap device 100 is closed.

When p-trap 100 is open, a user can employ cleanout tool 130 to reach inside of p-trap 100, either the primary trap 109 or the secondary trap 124, to clear debris.

In operation, when p-trap 100 is installed in a plumbing system, it carries wastewater. When the user desires, the user can manipulate p-trap 100 from the closed position shown in FIG. 2 to the open position shown in FIG. 3. In these versions, the manipulation that allows the user to open p-trap 100 includes unfastening fastener 142 to open door 122. In some versions, fastener 142 is threaded. But other fasteners, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, can serve this function. Hinge 141 is especially useful because it retains door 122 connected to secondary trap 124 when p-trap 100 is open. Once the user has opened p-trap 100, the user can employ cleanout tool 130 to remove debris from p-trap 100, including removing debris from primary trap 109 and secondary trap 124. Once the trap is clear, the user closes door 122, seating gasket 150 along perimeter 125 and then secures the door closed with fastener 142. In some versions that supply cleanout tool 130, the tool attaches to the outside of p-trap 100, such as to door 122. In versions that don't include cleaning up tool 130, tools other than cleanout tool 130 can be used to remove debris.

In some versions, door 122 is especially useful because it allows contaminated water, normally held in secondary trap 124, to drain away when p-trap 100 is opened. And when open, door 122 does not trap or retain contaminated water. Removing the contaminated trap water from the area improves the cleanliness and hygiene of the process of clearing the trap. In some versions, secondary trap 124 has a polyhedral outer shape. Sometimes secondary trap 124 or door 122 has an outer shape that is not spherical or around. Sometimes secondary trap 124 or door 122 has an outer shape that does not contain half of a sphere. Sometimes door 122 is flat or lacks structure to retain contaminated water when open. Sometimes secondary trap 124 has an outer shape that is roughly cuboid, rectangular prismatic, square prismatic, etc. Cuboids are convex polyhedra that have six faces, which can be any quadrilateral. A rectangular prism is a convex polyhedron that has six faces, all of which are rectangles. A square prism is a convex polyhedron that has six faces, all of which are squares.

In some versions, the shape of the secondary trap has no circular cross-sections. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A p-trap comprising: a primary trap having a conduit comprising an upright inlet, an upright portion connected to the upright inlet, a curved portion connected to the upright portion, and an outlet connected to the curved portion wherein the outlet comprises an upright connector; a polyhedronical secondary trap in-line with the primary trap and fused to the primary trap; and a polygonal door connected to the secondary trap.
 2. The p-trap of claim 1, wherein a side of the secondary trap is parallel to the upright portion.
 3. The p-trap of claim 2, wherein a side of the secondary trap is parallel to a curved-portion longitudinal axis.
 4. The p-trap of claim 3, wherein a side of the secondary trap is parallel to an upright axis of the upright connector.
 5. The p-trap of claim 4, wherein the door lies in a plane perpendicular to the upright portion.
 6. The p-trap of claim 5, wherein the door is elongate with an elongate axis that sits parallel to the curved-portion longitudinal axis.
 7. The p-trap of claim 6, wherein the secondary trap is a cuboid.
 8. The p-trap of claim 7, wherein the secondary trap is a rectangular prism.
 9. The p-trap of claim 8, wherein the door butts against a lower perimeter of the secondary trap.
 10. The p-trap of claim 9, wherein the lower perimeter comprises edges and wherein the door is longer than an edge.
 11. The p-trap of claim 10, wherein the door is wider than an edge.
 12. The p-trap of claim 1, wherein the secondary trap is a rectangular prism.
 13. The p-trap of claim 12, wherein a side of the secondary trap is parallel to a curved-portion longitudinal axis.
 14. The p-trap of claim 13, wherein the door lies in a plane perpendicular to the upright portion.
 15. The p-trap of claim 14, wherein the door is elongate with an elongate axis that sits parallel to the curved-portion longitudinal axis.
 16. The p-trap of claim 1, wherein the shape of the secondary trap has no circular cross-sections.
 17. The p-trap of claim 1, wherein the door lacks structure to retain water when open.
 18. A method comprising opening the door of the p-trap of claim 1 and emptying the p-trap.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising accessing the upright portion with a tool.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising closing the door. 